Stop Proposing on the First Date: How PMO Leaders Build Real Stakeholder Buy-In

Have you ever walked into a room, unveiled your perfectly planned PMO strategy, and felt the air go flat? You’ve done the research. You’ve got the tools. You know this will help the business. And yet… crickets. Blank stares. Maybe a few polite nods, but no real engagement. 

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 

This week on the PMO Strategies Podcast, we’re talking about one of the most common missteps PMO and transformation leaders make — jumping ahead to the big proposal before we’ve earned the trust that makes it land. 

It’s like proposing marriage on the first date. Even if you’re “the one,” it’s too soon. 

Trust First, Strategy Second 

Here’s the hard truth: stakeholders won’t buy into your PMO initiatives just because they make sense. Even the most rock-solid strategy will fall flat if the people you’re pitching it to don’t trust you yet. 

And trust isn’t about your title, experience, or credentials. It’s about what you’ve demonstrated to them. It’s about how well you’ve listened. What problems you’ve helped solve. Whether they believe you understand their world — and can improve it. 

This is where so many well-intentioned leaders stumble. They get so excited about the transformation they can see on the horizon that they forget the relationship-building needed to get others on board. 

The Real Work Happens Before the Big Pitch 

Before you roll out your full roadmap, you need to earn your way in. That starts with building credibility — not by talking about how valuable your PMO is, but by proving it through small, meaningful wins. 

Something as simple as solving a clunky manual process, fixing a communication breakdown, or bringing visibility to a hidden risk can go a long way. When people see real value — value that makes their job easier or helps them look good — they start to lean in. 

Then it’s about connection. Invite stakeholders into the process. Build solutions with them, not for them. This isn’t about handing over a final product. It’s about co-creating something that reflects their input, their needs, and their unique challenges. 

Only then — after they’ve seen you show up, deliver, and collaborate — do you get to go big. Only then do you pitch the enterprise-wide rollout or the cultural transformation. Because by that point, it won’t feel like a risk. It’ll feel like the obvious next step. 

Pull, Don’t Push 

Too many leaders try to push their way into acceptance. But real influence is about creating pull. When stakeholders feel heard, supported, and understood, they start to want what you’re offering. They see you as someone who makes things easier, not harder. 

That’s how you go from just being “the PMO” to being the team everyone turns to for strategic support. That’s how you shift from process enforcer to trusted advisor. 

It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it works — and it lasts. 

Make the Shift 

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by a lack of engagement, know this: it’s not about your strategy being wrong. It’s about the order of operations. 

Trust first. Then try. Then buy. Then repeat. And finally, refer. 

That’s the ladder to long-term stakeholder engagement. That’s how you create lasting IMPACT. 

Ready to shift from resistance to real results? Listen to the full episode now — it’s packed with insights that will help you build trust, influence, and buy-in for the long haul. 

👉 Click play to uncover how to create pull, not push, for your transformation plans! 

🎉 International PMO Day is almost here — Tuesday, May 13! 🎉 

That’s right… it’s time to celebrate YOU and all the hard work PMOs do to drive IMPACT. 

Start planning your PMO party now! Whether it’s a team lunch, a virtual toast, or just a moment to treat yourself (hello, coffee break!), take time to recognize the powerhouse that is your PMO. Or better yet, team up with other PMOs in your organization and turn it into a full-on celebration! 

We’re cooking up something special behind the scenes, so keep an eye on the newsletter—details coming soon! 

Let the countdown to PMO greatness begin… 🥳